We called – and talented student artists from across Waterloo Region answered.

The Waterloo Region District School Board has officially launched the #Art4WEFI campaign – a winter greeting card fundraiser held in support of the Waterloo Education Foundation Inc (WEFI). The campaign marks the official kick-off to our #12DaysofGiving campaign and orders can be placed online for pick-up.

A registered charity, WEFI benefits and promotes student success. Programs supported include school nutrition programs, multi-lingual and multi-cultural resources, support for the less advantaged students with gym uniforms and school supplies, opportunities to partake in off-campus excursions and field trips, and anti-bullying programs and character development through promotion of community values“The #Art4WEFI campaign is an excellent opportunity to highlight the creative skills of our students,” said Matthew Gerard, a member of the WEFI Board of Directors. “All proceeds from the sale of these cards will directly impact students throughout our district and support initiatives such as; school nutrition programs, new equipment, and equal opportunities for students to participate in field trips and classroom experiences.”

Hundreds of student submissions came in across Twitter and Instagram under the hashtag #Art4WEFI, all with their own creative flare and spirit of the season. A selection of twelve artistic pieces were chosen to be published as a set of greeting cards and student artists were invited to an official art show launch event at the Education Centre to speak about their creative process, why they enjoy art, and what it means to be selected.

“It’s really amazing being able to see all different artists from all ages have their own artwork on display and be able to be proud of it and have everyone see it,” said Ariya Johnson, a grade 8 student at Laurelwood Public School. “I love how it’s all going to a charity to help schools across our community.”

Greeting cards will be for sale at the Education Centre (51 Ardelt Ave, Kitchener), Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm until December 19, 2018. Online order forms are available to arrange for payment and pick up. A pack of 12 cards costs $10 (cash only) and all proceeds support the WEFI. For more information about WEFI, visithttps://www.wrdsb.ca/wefi/ orclickhere to donate.

Congratulations to our #Art4WEFI 2018 selected artists:

Lilliana De Gazon

SK

Williamsburg PS

George Benham

1

King Edward PS

Chisato Yamaguchi

2

Keatsway PS

Aiden Griffin

3

Queen Elizabeth PS

Paige Boyle

3

Millen Woods PS

Julia Bingeman

6

Breslau PS

Kayla Pickoski

7

Stanley Park PS

Ivana Mataruga

8

Westheights PS

Celeste Eliasmith

8

Centennial PS (W)

Ariya Johnson

8

Laurelwood PS

Jorjah van Vliet

10

Eastwood CI

Alicia Udvari

12

Waterloo CI

Thank you for following along as we counted down 12 days of giving. We are so inspired by the wonderful acts of kindness our staff and students are modelling during the holiday season.

You can check out all of the great acts of giving in our schools (there’s more than just 12) by following us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.